Design Manager

Placon Corporation•Madison, WI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

We're looking for an experienced Design Manager who thrives on leading teams, delivering innovative product and tooling designs, and driving continuous improvement. If you enjoy balancing technical expertise with people leadership, influencing cross-functional teams, and making a measurable impact across multiple sites, this is a great opportunity to grow your career.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business Management
5+ years of design experience
5+ years of leadership experience
Strong knowledge of CAD/CAM and tooling design
Experience working in a manufacturing environment (tooling preferred)
Project management, budgeting, and problem-solving skills
Experience with ERP/MRP systems (Oracle preferred)
Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities
Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Nice To Haves

Multi-site leadership experience
Background in lean manufacturing or Six Sigma
Tool and die fabrication knowledge
Experience with change management in a growing organization

Responsibilities

Lead design teams across multiple locations to deliver accurate, on-time product and tooling designs
Manage the master design schedule and coordinate resources to meet customer timelines
Oversee product development and tooling design within the NPD process
Conduct technical feasibility assessments and support project quoting
Lead external tooling procurement and manage vendor performance
Partner with sales and marketing to identify new business opportunities and develop packaging solutions
Establish and monitor metrics for quality, cost, and delivery; drive continuous improvement
Manage department budget, capital expenditures, and operating costs
Develop and coach a high-performing team through hiring, training, feedback, and performance management
Ensure compliance with safety, ISO, SQF, and GMP standards
Collaborate across teams to provide technical expertise and optimize performance
Maintain and protect company intellectual property
Lead strategic projects and maintain clear communication with leadership